Check image processing

ABSTRACT

Systems for processing digital check image files include an image classification module programmed to review a plurality of attributes associated with a digital check image file including at least one check image, and to categorize the digital check image file into at least one category of a plurality of categories, and a decision module programmed to decide how to process the digital check image file based on the category.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent andTrademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, paper checks have been used for payment in lieu of cash.Once tendered, these paper checks enter a distribution stream thatroutes the paper checks back to the issuing banks for payment. With theemergence of the Internet, the use of paper checks is diminishing.

The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (or Check 21 Act), whichwent into effect in October of 2004, allows the recipient of a papercheck to create a digital version, thereby eliminating the need forfurther handling of the physical check. This process is sometimesreferred to as truncation, wherein a paper check is scanned (front andback), and the scanned digital check image file is used in place of thepaper check during processing and payment.

SUMMARY

Example systems and methods described herein relate to digital checkimage file processing. Digital check image files are examined andcategorized based on certain attributes of the files. Based on thiscategorization, the digital check image files can be rejected, stored,forwarded to third parties, and/or printed.

In one aspect, a system for processing digital check image filesincludes an image classification module programmed to review a pluralityof attributes associated with a digital check image file including atleast one check image, and to categorize the digital check image fileinto at least one category of a plurality of categories, and a decisionmodule programmed to decide how to process the digital check image filebased on the category.

In another aspect, a method for processing a digital check image fileincludes: receiving a digital check image file including at least onecheck image; classifying the digital check image file into at least onecategory of a plurality of categories; and determining how to processthe digital check image file based on the category.

In yet another aspect, a method for processing a digital check imagefile in a Tagged Image File Format includes: receiving a digital checkimage file including at least one check image; classifying the digitalcheck image file into at least one category of a plurality ofcategories, the categories including a reject category includingattributes that fail to meet minimum requirements, a standard categoryincluding attributes that meet most known standards, and a non-standardcategory including attributes that do not meet most known standards;determining how to process the digital check image file based on thecategory; rejecting the digital check image file if the digital checkimage file is categorized in the reject category; sending the digitalcheck image file to an image exchange partner if the digital check imagefile is categorized in the standard category; and if the digital checkimage file is categorized in the non-standard category: printing thedigital check image file to create a paper copy; and sending the papercopy to the image exchange partner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is an example of a computer environment including a financialinstitution system programmed to process digital check image files.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of the financial institution system shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an example method for processing digital check image files.

FIG. 4 is an example method for categorizing digital check image filesaccording to the method shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an example method for processing and forwarding digital checkimage files according to the method shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are providedso that this disclosure will be thorough and complete. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout.

Example systems and methods described herein relate to digital checkimage file processing. Digital check image files are examined andcategorized based on certain attributes of the files. Based on thiscategorization, the digital check image files can be rejected, stored,forwarded to third parties, and/or printed.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example computer environment 100 is shown.The computer environment 100 includes an image originator system 110that creates a digital image of a paper check that is stored in acomputer file, referred to herein as a digital check image file. Inexample embodiments, the image originator can be an individual, amerchant, a financial institution, or another third party. In oneembodiment, the image originator is an individual that receives a papercheck as payment and converts the check to an image file. In anotherembodiment, the image originator is a merchant that receives the papercheck as payment for a good or a service. The merchant converts thepaper check to a digital image at the point of sale, or at some pointafter the sale.

Typically, the digital check image file includes images of both thefront and the back of one or more paper checks. In one example, thedigital check image file can be created by scanning the front and theback of the paper check with a scanner to convert the paper check to adigital image that is stored in a digital check image file. The digitalcheck image file can be created in a variety of formats. In examplesdescribed below, the digital check image file is created in the TaggedImage File Format (TIFF) according to the TIFF 6.0 specification. Inother embodiments, other image formats can be used.

The image originator system 110 communicates with a financialinstitution system 120. In some embodiments, the financial institutionis a bank to which the image originator is presenting the check forpayment. The image originator system 110 communicates the digital checkimage file to the financial institution system 120 over one or moreknown protocols, as described below. For example, the image originatorcan be an individual that communicates the digital check image file to afinancial institution at which the individual has a checking or savingsaccount. In such an example, the individual can upload the digital checkimage file through the financial institution's web site for payment.Other configurations are possible.

The financial institution system 120 can process, store, and forward thedigital check image file provided by the image originator system 110.For example, as described below, the financial institution can classifythe digital check image file based on the attributes of the digitalcheck image file, determine how to process the digital check image filebased on the classification, and reject, store, and/or forward thedigital check image file to one or more third parties such as imageexchange partners.

For example, the financial institution system 120 can forward orotherwise make available the digital check image file to one or moreimage exchange partners, including a financial institution system 130and a Federal Reserve System 140. The financial institution system 120can also forward or otherwise make available the digital check imagefile to another customer system 150. In some embodiments, the digitalcheck image file can be sent to the financial institution system 130,which can be a third party bank that issued the check or is otherwiseslated to receive the check. The digital check image file can also besent to the Federal Reserve System 140 as part of the check-clearingsystem. The digital check image file can also be made available to thecustomer system 150. For example, the customer associated with thecustomer system 150 can be the individual that originally wrote thepaper check and that can access digital check image files online throughthe financial institution system 120.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the financial institution system 120 is shownin more detail. In examples described herein, the financial institutionsystem 120 is a computer system including a processing unit and computerreadable media. Computer readable media can include memory such asvolatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.)or some combination thereof. Additionally, the financial institutionsystem 120 can include mass storage (removable and/or non-removable)such as a magnetic or optical disks or tape. An operating system, suchas Linux or Windows, and one or more application programs can be storedon the mass storage device. The system 120 can include input devices(such as a keyboard and mouse) and output devices (such as a monitor andprinter). The system 120 can also include network connections to otherdevices, computers, networks, servers, etc.

In example embodiments, the financial institution system 120 cancommunicate with other computers (e.g., the image originator system 110and the image exchange partner systems 130, 140) through one or morenetworks, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN),the Internet, or a combination thereof. Communications can beimplemented using wired and/or wireless technologies. In exampleembodiments, the financial institution system 120 includes one or moreweb servers that host one or more web sites that are accessible from thenetwork(s). The financial institution system 120 can include one or moredata stores such as, for example, one or more databases to store thedigital check image files.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the financial institution system 120 isprogrammed to process a digital check image file 200 including one ormore images of a paper check. The financial institution system 120includes an image receipt module 210, an image classification module220, a decision module 230, and an image storage/forwarding module 240.Each of these modules is described in more detail below.

The image receipt module 210 is programmed to receive the digital checkimage file 200 from the image originator system 110. For example, theimage receipt module 210 is programmed to receive the digital checkimage file that is uploaded by the operator of the image originatorsystem 110 using one or more protocols, such as the HyperText TransportProtocol (HTTP) or the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Otherconfigurations are possible.

The image classification module 220 is programmed to examine theattributes of the digital check image file and to classify the imagebased on the attributes. For example, if the digital check image file isin the TIFF format, the image classification module 220 can examineattributes and tags (or metadata) associated with the digital checkimage file. Examples of these attributes include image dimensions, imagesize, image orientation, image resolution, multi-stripping, and multipleimage file descriptors. Based on the examination of these attributes,the image classification module 220 classifies the digital check imagefile into one of a plurality of categories, as described below.

In one embodiment, the image classification module 220 classifies thedigital check image file into one of three categories:

(A) Rejected Images—this category is for digital check image files thatdo not meet minimum threshold requirements;

(B) Non-Standard Images—this category is for digital check image filesthat meet minimum requirements, but are not fully compatible with allsystems; and

(C) Standard Images—this category is for digital check image files thatmeet standard requirements that are broadly accepted for most or allknown standards.

In example embodiments, the image receipt module 210 is programmed tocategorize the digital check image file in the rejected images categoryif the digital check image file includes attributes that will not allowthe financial institution system 120 to process the digital check imagefile. For example, in one embodiment, the general requirements for thedigital check image file include:

(1) must conform to the TIFF 6.0 specification;

(2) must be bi-tonal (black and white);

(3) image compression must be OTT group 4;

(4) resolution must be 1 bit per pixel;

(5) coding format must be little Endian;

(6) tags must be ascending order; and

(7) posting item must have exactly one front image segment and one backimage segment.

Other configurations are possible.

The image receipt module 210 is programmed to categorize the digitalcheck image file in the non-standard images category if the digitalcheck image file includes attributes that will allow the financialinstitution system 120 to process the digital check image file. Inaddition, the digital check image file that is categorized in thenon-standard category may be accepted by some, but not necessarily all,of the other financial institutions that processes digital check imagefiles. For example, the non-standard digital check image file may beacceptable for processing by the financial institution system 130, butnot the Federal Reserve System 140.

In some examples, there can be one or more sub-categories for thenon-standard category. For example, there can be a first sub-categoryfor non-standard digital check image files that meet the requirements ofa first sub-set of financial institutions, and a second sub-category fornon-standard digital check image files that meet the requirements of asecond sub-set of financial institutions.

In the example shown, the non-standard images category can also includea directed clearing subcategory that is triggered when the item includesone or more non-standard attributes. Such an item will be printedinstead of being sent electronically.

The image receipt module 210 is programmed to categorize the digitalcheck image file in the standard images category if the digital checkimage file includes attributes that will be widely accepted at most orall third party processing institutions. For example, the digital checkimage file can be categorized as standard if the digital check imagefile complies with the American National Standard (ANSI) X9.100-181standard. The digital check image files in the standard category aretypically accepted at most or all financial institutions and the FederalReserve System.

The example table below provides one embodiment of the attributes thatdefine the Non-Standard and Standard categories:

Attribute Non-Standard Standard Image Dimensions Not specified Notspecified Image Size (measured by Maximum image size is 250k Notspecified actual byte length of image front and back; and the after anycompression) minimum is 1 byte for each of front image and back imageImage Resolution Resolution must be in the Resolution must be either 200DPI range from 80 DPI to 240 DPI or 240 DPI inclusive Multi-Strip ImagesMulti-strip and single-strip Single-strip standard; multi-strip allowedallowed if flagged as variant Multiple Image File Multiple IFDs allowed,but Only one IFD may be present Descriptors (IFDs) only first IFD issupported (any subsequent IFDs ignored)Other configurations are possible. For example, in other embodiments,another Preferred category can be defined that is positioned between theNon-Standard and the Standard. The Preferred category includes thedigital check image files that meet a higher threshold than the rejectedcategory, but do not meet the Non-Standard category threshold. Inanother embodiment, as described above, a directed clearing sub-categorycan be defined for those digital check image files that can be clearedelectronically without requiring further specialized processing. Otherconfigurations are possible.

Referring again to FIG. 2, once the digital check image file 200 iscategorized, the image classification module 220 is programmed to passthe classification to the decision module 230. In some embodiments, theclassification for the digital check image file 200 can also be storedin, for example, a database, and/or the classification can be stored ina defined attribute within the digital check image file 200.

Once the classification is passed to the decision module 230, thedecision module 230 is programmed to decide how to process the digitalcheck image file 200 based on one or more rules. For example, if thedigital check image file 200 is classified in the Rejected Imagescategory, the decision module 230 is programmed to reject the image.Alternatively, if the digital check image file 200 is categorized in theNon-Standard Images or Standard Images categories, the decision module230 is programmed to decide whether or not the digital check image file200 can be stored and/or forwarded to one or more third parties, asdescribed further below.

Once the decision module 230 decides how to process the digital checkimage file 200, the image storage/forwarding module 240 is programmed tostore and/or forward the digital check image file 200 as appropriate.For example, the image storage/forwarding module 240 is programmed tostore the digital check image file 200 within the financial institutionsystem 120. In addition, depending on the output from the decisionmodule 230, the image storage/forwarding module 240 is programmed toforward the digital check image file to one or more other institutions,such as the financial institution system 130 or the Federal ReserveSystem 140, as described further below.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example method 300 for processing digitalcheck image files is shown. The method 300 starts an operation 310, atwhich the digital check image file is received. Next, at operation 320,the digital check image file is classified into one of a plurality ofclassifications (e.g., rejected, non-standard, standard). Control isthen passed to operation 330, at which a decision is made as to how toprocess the digital check image file. Finally, at operation 340, thedigital check image file is rejected, stored and/or forwarded to anotherfinancial institution for further processing.

Referring now to FIG. 4, additional details regarding the categorizationoperation 320 are shown. At operation 422, the attributes of the digitalcheck image file are examined such as, for example, image dimensions,image size, image orientation, image resolution, multi-stripping, andmultiple image file descriptors. Next, at operation 424, a determinationis made as to whether or not the digital check image file meets minimumrequirements. If not, control is passed to operation 426, and thedigital check image file is rejected.

If the digital check image file does meet minimum requirements, controlis instead passed to operation 428. At operation 428, a determination ismade as to whether or not the digital check image file meets knownstandards. If the digital check image file does meet known standards,control is passed to operation 430, and the digital check image file ismarked as Standard to indicate that it meets known standards. If not,control is instead passed to operation 432. At operation 432, thedigital check image file is marked as Non-Standard to indicate that itdoes not meet known standards.

Referring now to FIG. 5, additional details regarding the processingoperation 330 and the forward image operation 340 of the method 300 areshown. Initially, at operation 522, the classification for the digitalcheck image file is received. Next, at operation 524, a determination asto whether or not the digital check image file meets known standards ismade. For example, the classification is read to determine if thedigital check image file has been categorized as Standard. If so,control is passed to operation 526, and the digital check image file issent to the image exchange partner.

Conversely, if the category is not Standard, control is passed tooperation 528, and a determination is made as to whether or not theimage exchange partner can handle a digital check image file that iscategorized as Non-Standard. If so, control is passed to operation 530,and the digital check image file is sent to the image exchange partner.

Alternatively, if the image exchange partner cannot handle theNon-Standard digital check image file, control is passed to operation532. At operation 532, the digital check image file is printed to createa paper check, and the paper check is instead sent to the image exchangepartner.

In alternative embodiments, the financial institution system 120 can beprogrammed to modify the digital check image file if the digital checkimage file is rejected or categorized as Non-Standard. For example, ifthe digital check image file is grayscale the digital check image filecan be converted to bi-tonal, or if the digital check image fileincludes tags that are out of order the tags can be reordered inascending sequence. Other configurations are possible.

Other modifications to the systems and methods described herein are alsopossible. For example, although in the example computer environment 100shown in FIG. 1 the financial institution system 120 receives thedigital check image file directly from the image originator, in otherexamples the financial institution system 120 can receive the digitalcheck image file from other entities, such as an image exchange partnerlike the financial institution system 130 or the Federal Reserve System140. Other configurations are possible.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limiting. Those skilledin the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes thatmay be made to the embodiments described above without departing fromthe true spirit and scope of the disclosure or the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for processing a digital check image file, the method comprising: receiving a digital check image file including at least one check image; classifying, by a computer system including a processing unit and computer readable media, the digital check image file into at least one category of a plurality of categories, the categories including: a reject category including attributes that fail to meet minimum requirements, an accept category including attributes that meet the minimum requirements, and a non-standard category including attributes that meet the minimum requirements but are not fully compatible with every system; determining how to process the digital check image file based on the category, including: rejecting the digital check image file if the digital check image file is categorized in the reject category; sending the digital check image file to an image exchange partner if the digital check image file is categorized in the accept category; and when the digital check image file is categorized in the non-standard category: printing the digital check image file to create a paper copy when a third party cannot process the category of the digital check image file; and sending the paper copy to the third party.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the digital check image file further comprises receiving the digital check image file from an image originator system.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein classifying the digital check image file includes examining at least one attribute associated with the digital check image file, the attribute including image dimension, image size, image orientation, image resolution, multi-stripping, and multiple image file descriptors.
 4. A method for processing a digital check image file in a Tagged Image File Format, the method comprising: receiving a digital check image file including at least one check image, the digital check image file being received in a Tagged Image File Format; classifying, by a computer system including a processing unit and computer readable media, the digital check image file into at least one category of a plurality of categories, the categories including: a reject category including attributes that fail to meet minimum requirements, a standard category including attributes that meet the minimum requirements, and a non-standard category including attributes that meet the minimum requirements but are not fully compatible with every system; determining how to process the digital check image file based on the category; rejecting the digital check image file when the digital check image file is categorized in the reject category; sending the digital check image file to an image exchange partner when the digital check image file is categorized in the standard category; and when the digital check image file is categorized in the non-standard category: printing the digital check image file to create a paper copy; and sending the paper copy to the image exchange partner.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein classifying the digital check image file includes examining at least one attribute associated with the digital check image file, the attribute including image dimension, image size, image orientation, image resolution, multi-stripping, and multiple image file descriptors.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein receiving the digital check image file further comprises receiving the digital check image file from an image originator.
 7. The method of claim 4, further comprising printing and sending a paper copy to the Federal Reserve System if the Federal Reserve System will not accept the category of the digital check image file. 